Cheshire GP practice rated outstanding by CQC

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Wrenbury Medical Practice in Wrenbury, Nantwich, as outstanding following an inspection in April and May.

Wrenbury Medical Practice, run by an organisation of the same name, provides GP services to around 5,620 people living in the Cheshire village of Wrenbury.

This inspection was carried out as part of CQC’s continual checks on the safety and quality of primary and community care services.

Following the inspection, the overall rating for the practice as well as the areas for well-led, caring and responsive have improved from good to outstanding. The areas of safe and effective have been rated as good again.

Karen Knapton, CQC deputy director of operations in the north, said: 

“When we inspected Wrenbury Medical Practice, we found a GP practice that was led by exceptional leaders supported by a dedicated staff team who put people at the heart of everything they did to deliver the best possible care.

“People gave overwhelmingly positive feedback about the care they received, and over 650 people contacted CQC through our “Give Feedback on Care” during this inspection telling us about their positive experiences, including how easy it was to make appointments, how kind and approachable staff were and how the doctors really listened to people and delivered person-centred care.

“The practice worked hard to meet the needs of the community and to educate and engage patients resulting in higher than average attendance for cancer screening programmes and child immunisations

“We were impressed with the proactive engagement the practice had developed with the local community, including people from population groups which sometimes experience health inequalities. These included ex-service people, the Traveller community, school pupils, care home residents, people using the local food bank and people with learning disabilities.  

“All staff spoke of an open, blame free and inclusive environment where everyone felt happy to speak up when required. Leaders consistently listened to safety concerns and thoroughly investigated any issues, working with staff to make continual improvements to the service.

“All staff should be extremely proud of the care they’re providing to people. They clearly work hard to provide an exceptional GP service to the people in their locality.”

Inspectors found:

• The practice team ensured that patients could access their service. 99% of responses to the National GP Patient Survey felt it was easy to get through to the practice by phone and 84% got to see their preferred GP.
• The practice had established strong, collaborative relationships with other healthcare professionals which created improved access to wider support services.
• The practice had a proactive, effective and positive safety culture based on openness and honesty.
• Staff involved people in their care and treatment, embedded health promotion into care, and supported people to live healthier lives. This included urgent referrals and early identification of cancer.
• Leaders promoted staff wellbeing, including flexible working and supported staff to put patients at the heart of the service.
• Leaders had developed a culture where learning, development and patient satisfaction reviews were at the heart of everything they did, and this culture was reflected by every member of staff.

The report will be published on CQC’s website in the next few days.